Andy Murray and Dan Evans were a Great British combination that few expected much from at the Olympics, yet they have already delivered a historic moment for their country.
After all, having fallen a set behind, they showcased huge spirit to force a match tiebreaker with Japan in the men’s doubles by winning the second.
But, it seemed like the energy of their opponents was just too much to bear, and finding themselves 4-9 down, they faced five match points.
However, in typical fashion for the 37-year-old, on the eve of Andy Murray’s retirement after the Olympics, he showcased all his spirit to win seven straight points and steal the win, with Evans emerging as the outstanding hero.
Andy Murray reacts to incredible Olympics doubles win
Speaking live to the BBC after his remarkable comeback victory, Andy Murray was unsurprisingly delighted as he stood beside his partner.
Evans has endured a career laden with ebbs and flows, but the manner in which the 34-year-old stood up to shine for his legendary compatriot was heroic stuff. Whether they lose in the next round or go all the way, that moment will live long in the memory.
But, interviewed immediately after the win, it was Murray who led the adulation, revealing his emotional reaction to that ball striking the net and unleashing the crowd into raptures.
Murray’s fierce forehand could not be returned and it completed their mesmeric turnaround, prompting him to then note: ‘In the moment when we finished the match both of us were just laughing.
‘I haven’t celebrated a match win like that since maybe the Kokkanikas match in Australia. But what an amazing feeling to get through. Just a bit of shock, genuine happiness at the end of it. I’m glad I came!’
Andy Murray and Dan Evans have seen the draw open up
After overcoming the Japanese threat of Taro Daniel and Kei Nishikori, the draw has opened up quite nicely for Murray and Evans, who will be glad to see some of the remarkable pairings on the other half of the bracket.
The combination of Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz has to be one of the fiercest in tennis history, whilst the second, fourth and fifth seeds are also there too.
Meanwhile, with Jannik Sinner out, the top-ranked Italian combination is not nearly as threatening, with only the Tsitsipas brothers and the American team of Tommy Paul and Taylor Fritz the outstanding couples to fear.
From staring defeat rather plainly in the face, Murray has a very real chance of ending his career with silverware, should he and Evans continue to channel that spirit and perform to the best of their abilities.
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